Product photography is essential to the success of any online store or business. It can increase a customer’s psychological sense of ownership and help them decide whether to make a purchase.
Creating quality product photos requires a lot of planning, time, and a dedicated space. Fortunately, there are several tips that will help you take your product photography to the next level.
Creating eye-catching product photos is an art that requires a lot of work and practice. Beginner photographers often focus on the lens, location, and background when taking a photo, but lighting is the most important element of an appealing product photo. The right lighting can elevate your photos to the next level, making them more attractive and professional.
Lighting is essential for the appearance of your product and for defining its shape and texture. It is imperative that you take the time to understand the different types of lighting and how each one can affect your product photos. Whether you are photographing a jewelry box or perfume bottle, it is important to know how to use the correct lighting to capture its beauty and elegance.
The best kind of lighting for your product photography depends on the type of product you are photographing and the mood you want to create. For example, a perfume bottle might look more appealing with back lighting to highlight its translucent qualities and shimmering effects. On the other hand, a rugged hiking boot might be more dramatic with side lighting to emphasize its texture and sturdiness.
In addition to choosing the right kind of light for your product, it is crucial that you experiment with different angles and positions. A camera mounted on a tripod is an excellent choice because it helps to reduce blur and ensures that the product stays in the same position throughout the shoot.
A good way to ensure consistency is by using a lightbox. Lightboxes are made of translucent materials that allow light to pass through them while reducing shadows. They are a common product photography setup because they provide consistent light and make it easy to edit your images in post-production.
Another way to create a quality product image is by using black and white cards to help you modify the light. For example, a black card will remove light from the subject and deepen shadows while a white card will fill in light to create highlights. If you are unable to afford a lightbox, try using a piece of paper or a large sheet of white fabric.
Props
When it comes to product photography, props can help take your shots to the next level. They can add a sense of scale, depth, and visual interest to your photos, and they can also help to highlight specific product features. When choosing your props, it is important to choose ones that complement your product and fit in with the overall aesthetic of your shoot. Props can also be used to create a story or narrative in your photo, and they can help to convey a particular feeling or emotion that you want your photos to evoke.
One of the most important props for product photography is a block or plinth. These blocks can be made of different materials and come in a variety of shapes to suit your needs. They can also be purchased in a range of colors to complement your product. Using a block or plinth in your product photography will help to make the subject stand out and will also help to prevent background clutter.
Another important prop for product photography is a table or bench. This can be used to set the product on, or it can be used as a backdrop for the shot. When using a bench or table as a prop, it is important to ensure that the table is clean and free of dust and debris. If you are shooting in a studio, it is also important to use a tablecloth or mat to protect the surface of the table.
Creative props are an essential part of product photography. They can help to show your product in use, tell a story, or add a sense of drama or romance to the image. Creative props can include things like fairy lights, which are a popular choice for photographers looking to add a touch of magic to their shots.
You can also use other accessories and props to create a story in your photo. For example, if you are photographing a product that is associated with a particular sport or activity, you can use other sports equipment as a prop to give the viewer a more realistic virtual experience of the product. Other props can include personal items, such as jewelry or wardrobe accessories, and books and literature that have a special meaning or significance to the product owner.
The Right Background
The background you choose for your product images says a lot about your company. It sets a visual tone and provides a polished, professional appearance, which are essential in building trust and conveying your brand’s image. It also ensures that the product is the focus of the image, capturing the viewer’s attention. So, whether you’re selling your products online or in print catalogs, it’s important that the backgrounds used in your photos match the style and branding of your business.
The type of background you select can be as simple or as complex as you wish, depending on the look and feel you want for your product photos. Neutral backgrounds like white, gray, and black are a safe choice because they provide a clean, simple backdrop that makes the product stand out. You can also use a textured backdrop to add visual interest and create an organic or natural look for your photos. For example, you can use wood, concrete, or fabric materials to create a more natural, rustic backdrop.
Alternatively, you can use a gradient background to add color to your product photography. Choose colors that complement your product and the overall image of your brand, and experiment with different hues to find a style that best matches your products. Keep in mind that the psychology of colors plays an important role in the way your customers perceive your product’s value and appeal.
If you are shooting your product photos outdoors, it’s important to avoid harsh sunlight. Instead, look for open shade or shoot in a well-lit room with dappled light. If you are using natural light, consider placing a bounce or scrim from a 5-in-1 reflector between the sun and your product to soften the shadows and eliminate overexposure.
Choosing the right backgrounds for your product photography can make a huge difference in the success of your e-commerce or print catalogs. Consider your platform compatibility, visual guidelines, and the emotional impact of your product’s background color to ensure that you’re delivering the highest quality images possible for your target audience.
A Sweep-Stand
If you’re running a store, beautiful product photos are essential. But you don’t need the high-tech equipment that professional studios use to produce stunning images for your website. You can get the same results with a small home photography studio and a few simple tools you probably already have on hand.
Before you grab your camera and start snapping away, it’s important to create a photography guideline for yourself or your team. This will help you maintain consistency and ensure that your photos are of good quality across all platforms. Having a set of standards to stick to also saves time in the editing process and helps you keep your costs down by not having to pay a photo-editing service.
In the world of ecommerce, there is no shortage of advice about how to take great product photos. Some of it is practical—such as ensuring that your product is clean and ready to be photographed, and that the color and texture are accurate. Other tips are more stylistic—such as using natural light or arranging the product in a way that highlights its best features.
Another important element of product photography is a sweep, which provides a seamless white background. This is important because it allows you to capture the product in its entirety, without any distracting blemishes or shadows on the bottom of the image. Depending on the type of product, it may be possible to make your own sweep by taping white paper to a chair, or you can purchase a stand-mounted sweep for a more professional effect.
A tripod is a must for any ecommerce photographer, as it helps prevent blurry shots that are easy to create when you’re working with slow shutter speeds and a small aperture (a lower f/stop). You can usually find inexpensive tripods at most electronics stores or even some discount department stores. You can find models that are designed to hold smartphones too, which means you can easily add your smartphone to the setup for a quick self-timer shot.
As a final note, it’s worth investing in a basic photo-editing program like Adobe Photoshop. With a little practice, you’ll be able to clean up any spots or dust that might have shown up on your product, make the photo brighter or darker as needed, and crop the image for the platform it will appear on.
